If you have had 14 years of trouble-free service from your outgoing truck, then the replacement is likely to be a newer version of the truck.
Although Transport and Hire Co-ordinator at Casey Plant Hire, Jane Parker, looked at other makes of truck as a benchmark, it looked like local dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials had the deal in the bag already.
So, Casey Plant Hire has taken delivery of their new Volvo FMX 8×2 rigid, replacing their older FM9 that had provided exceptional service for 14 years, covering more than 700,000 kms.
The FMX Specification
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the multi-wheeler has been specified with a hydraulically steered rear axle for optimum manoeuvrability and is mounted with a Palfinger crane and plant body with beavertail. It also comes factory prepared for drawbar operations, enabling it to haul a two-axle Chieftain drawbar trailer.
The FMX is built with Volvo’s latest Euro 6, Step D, 13-litre diesel engine, producing 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque, operated through a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox, which makes driving easier, safer and more comfortable.
It also comes equipped with Volvo’s Dynafleet telematics system, which enables the exact location and status of the truck to be tracked 24/7, for security and efficiency. The Dynafleet system also analyses both vehicle and driver performance data to recommend ways to reduce fuel usage and emissions.
The Operator’s View
Jane Parker says:
As a business we have always been very satisfied with Volvo and have run them within our fleet as far back as 1968. When we needed to upgrade our FM9, we got in touch with our local dealer straightaway – plus we also benchmarked their offer against other manufacturers.
The service Thomas Hardie Commercials provided was head and shoulders above the rest. Paul took the time to understand exactly what we wanted – asking the right questions to ensure our next vehicle met the future needs of the business. He came back with a strong proposal and has delivered exactly what we needed. Our drivers love the new FMX and say it drives like a dream. Indeed, if it performs as well as its predecessor, then it could be on the fleet until 2035!”
Finished in a striking yellow livery, the new truck will be used to move the company’s construction, earthmoving, quarrying and waste equipment to sites across the North West of England. It operates from the firm’s headquarters in Rochdale and is on the road up to six days per week.
Casey Plant Hire is a second-generation family business founded in 1968, originally carrying out land clearance and reclamation. Over the years the business has expanded to include waste management, public realm and civil works, housing refurbishment and new build, and property development.